Daily Archives: October 31, 2016
Four Things To Expect From The Maserati Alfieri
It was recently announced that the launch of the Maserati Alfieri will be pushed back to 2020. This is an unwelcome development for those who want to see the Italian brand’s new flagship, but it’s good news for those craving for a worthy successor of the Maserati GranTurismo because the company is reportedly delaying the Alfieri to create a new generation GranTurismo and GranCabrio.
But for now, here are four expectations we have about the Maserati Alfieri:
There is a New Lightweight Platform
Little is known about the Alfieri that will come out in 2020, but engineer Davide Danesin earlier announced that Maserati is developing a new platform that will allow the vehicle to be made out of lightweight material like aluminum. Both the Alfieri and the next-generation GranTurismo is expected to ride on a platform with a “more sporty architecture” than the Ghibli, Levante and Quattroporte.
It is Going to Come Close to the Ghibli
The platform that’s going to be used with the Alfieri won’t be all new. It will share bits and pieces, “some common basis,” with the Ghibli sedan. This move will likely reduce costs, as well as development time, reports suggest.
It Will Have a Rear-wheel Drive Layout
Originally, an all-wheel drive was being considered for the Alfieri, but Danesin clarified that this seems to be improbable. The next best thing is to create the Alfieri with an exclusive rear-wheel drive layout.
The Engine Will Likely Be a V6
Engine options for the Maserati Alfieri remains to be unconfirmed, although we are expecting it to be powered by a V6 engine that can produce 410, 450, and 520 horsepower, depending on the variant.
The Alfieri concept was first introduced at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show, where it wowed the audience. Its production version was supposed to be released as early as 2016, but this was pushed back to 2018 according to a report. Now, it seems fans have to wait until the end of the decade to see the concept come to life.
3 Awesome Stuff About the Mercedes-Benz Concept X-Class Pickup
October 25, 2016 marked the world premiere of the Mercedes-Benz Concept X-Class in Stockholm, Sweden. The concept Mercedes pickup truck is a preview of the X-Class production model due next year.
1. Mercedes-Benz Design Language
While the concept X-Class carries with it the platform of the Nissan Navara, it makes itself stand out from the Navara’s shadow by incorporating the artsy signature design language of Mercedes-Benz.
2. Comes in Two Flavors
Mercedes unveiled two concept models of its pickup truck in Stockholm, namely the “stylish explorer” and the “powerful adventurer.”
The first variant embodies the mix of luxury and the practical features of a pickup truck. The vehicle is painted pearly white, giving it an opulent look. The snout of the X-Class is somehow similar to the styling of the current Mercedes SUVs, particularly the GLC.
The second variant has the same elements but it further elevates itself from the other by its more muscular form. The auto is finished in pea-green color and its features are jacked up by its 1.9-meter ride height, tires measuring 35 x 11.5, twin louvre grills, and extended carbon wheel arches. Moreover, it is fitted with an electric winch with metal hook in front.
3. V6-Powered
Mercedes revealed that the X-Class will have a V6 power unit. The engine is matched to a 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. When it comes to hauling things, the pickup can tow up to 3.5 tons and carry around 1.1 ton.
Mercedes-Benz Concept X-Class Official Photos
Check out the photos of the Mercedes-Benz Concept X-Class concept in all its glory in the gallery below:
Other Features
So far, Mercedes is silent about the technology that the X-Class pickup truck will have. However, it is safe to assume that it will most probably mirror the ones found in the latest C-Class, SUVs and vans in its market release.